Description
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender grilled chicken, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and crisp vegetables all tossed in a tangy, refreshing dressing with natural flavors. This quick and nutritious dish is perfect for lunch or a light dinner and can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup creamy plant-based cheese, cubed or crumbled
- 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne), al dente
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber slices
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Chicken: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Meanwhile, season and grill the chicken breast until fully cooked and juicy. Let it rest briefly before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and natural gelling agent until the dressing thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sliced chicken, bacon bits, chopped romaine lettuce, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and plant-based cheese. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and black pepper on top. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better dressing adherence.
- Add dressing gradually to prevent soggy salad.
- Rest chicken before slicing for juicier texture.
- Chill salad before serving for enhanced flavor blending.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling and stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, quick salad, gluten-free pasta salad
